by 
Claire from Family First; Beverly of First Things First; & Gracie of Head Start.
The Week of the Young Child™ was celebrated at the San Manuel Library on Tuesday, April 12. The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration observed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers and families. It focuses attention on the importance of early childhood education.
Many families and kids attended the event in San Manuel. Local organizations attending included Sun Life Family Health Center, Family First Pregnancy Center & Family Diaper Bank, First Things First, Head Start, Central Arizona College, Apache Junction Public Library Fun Van, Read On Copper Corridor, Pinal County Strong Families Arizona, FFN ~ COAP, Easter Seals Blake Foundation, University of Arizona AZ Cooperative Extension Pinal County, Arizona’s Children Association Child Care Resource & Referral, San Manuel Volunteer Fire Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. Eegees provided refreshments.
The organizations provided numerous giveaways for the kids and adults as well as information about services in the area. Beverly Gomez Arriaga of First Things First said, “The Week of the Young Child™ brings awareness to the community about the importance of early childhood education and parents reading to their children.”
The years of birth to five are important in a child’s development and children exposed to quality early learning will do better in school later on.
“Strong families build strong communities,” she added.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
by by